Saturday, June 9, 2018

Courtesy of great efforts last night by some dedicated volunteers, 65 was over the pit, ready for us to start work on, when we arrived this morning. After cleaning out some accumulated parts for 169 and other cars, work began. Galen inserted a few more roof supports then worked on patching some of the motor wiring. Kelly swept off the roof, then joined Fred and Pat on scraping the peeling white paint on the car's exterior.

We will need all of the help we can get to have this car ready in time for Rails to the Darkside, so if you have an hour or two or more on a Saturday, please consider joining us. No prior experience or expertise is necessary.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

The Trolley Care group helped evaluate car 65 yesterday. The condition of 3 of the 4 motors was evaluated (4th motor fittings proved a challenge and it will be tested once the car reaches the shop and proper tools). The motors appear to be in good condition, however, the wiring is not and will either need to be replaced of heavily patched. The team also checked on the controllers, compressor, resistor grids, and air tank. The controllers are missing a few components, but all systems appear to be in good condition. The structural integrity of the car also received an initial assessment and a few needs were identified. We hope to have car 65 in the shop for next weekend.

Trolley Care group checks 65's motors with Galen

The group then moved out to the shop where Galen and Kelly demonstrated how to check if a truck is in tram, using 1850 as an example. 303 was brought outside using the diesel and the group learned about how to switch cars safely and how interurban cars work. 303 made a special run in the evening for the volunteer appreciation dinner and three hardworking members of the SC&ET Department (who are also motormen) had the opportunity to run the car as a thank you for all they have done to get the Borrup Road crossing gate back in service. Cheers were heard throughout the car as the gate performed flawlessly both times we crossed the road.

Trolley Care group examines 303's controller bank

We were happy to have Trolley Care participants stay after the day's program ended and much was accomplished in the afternoon. 1850 received more cleaning and is now ready to go into the Visitors' Center.

Sully sweeps out 1850's interior

Christopher removed a thick layer of dust and debris from 1850's roof

Wil raises one of 1850's end windows so he can wash it

Work also proceeded on 3001's controller, with Christopher, Wil, and Kelly masking and spray varnish insulating components.

3001's controller case reinsulated

A selection of controller components were insulated

3001's main controller shaft was partially reinsulated

Bruce and Rex have made some new roof brackets for 65. John has been at work on the Case backhoe/loader, which requires air system work and will be receiving a new air tank.

Welcome

Following the process of maintaining and restoring trolley cars in the Lusa Car Shop at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor Connecticut.

Interested in working with the trolleys? The Shop is always open to new volunteers, as are the other departments at the museum. Head on over to the museum's website for more information. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to help.